June 5, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - This past season as UCF traveled to various Conference USA arenas, one thing quickly became apparent to Kirk Speraw: the Knights enjoy support from the best student section in the league. Despite UCF's reputation as having the best home atmosphere in C-USA, Speraw wants more students to attend games at the new UCF Arena.
The head coach, who is entering his 16th campaign with the Knights, used a pair of speaking engagements this week to help increase attendance at UCF home contests. Speraw spoke to new UCF students and their parents at orientation sessions at the Student Union.
He addressed the crowds at the start of the all-day sessions and talked about the growth of the university. Speraw urged the new students to be active participants at UCF and attend as many athletics events as possible. "That is an experience that is a big part of college life," he said. "There is nothing that creates more pride in your university than how your athletic teams do. We need your support."
Speraw and George O'Leary are scheduled to speak to incoming students and their families at several orientation sessions in June. Both coaches spoke at orientations a year ago.
At this week's orientations, Speraw spoke about the impact that students have during games at both Bright House Networks Stadium and the new UCF Arena. He also educated the crowd about Conference USA and its members.
The appearances by the two head coaches at the orientations are part of a larger effort by UCF Athletics to embrace the school's students and their families.
"It is so important for these new students to have UCF pride. Nothing brings more pride to a university than success in athletics," Speraw said. "It is key to get these students to embrace the fact that they are now UCF Knights."
Representatives from UCF's ticket and group sales office have been present each day at the Student Union, providing information about football season tickets to parents. Members of the communications and marketing departments have distributed football schedule posters and talked to students about their season ticket options during the lunch hour at the orientations.
- Doug Richards